JEFF OF THE CINEFILES: HALL OF FAME: FILE #0016: EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)

Directed By: Tim Burton
Written By: Caroline Thompson
Story By: Tim Burton & Caroline Thompson
Cinematography By: Stefan Czapsky
Editor: Richard Halsey
Production Design By: Bo Welch

Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, Vincent Price, Alan Arkin, Conchata Ferrell, O-Lan Jones


In a castle high on top of a hill lives an inventor's greatest creation - Edward, a near-complete person. The creator died before he could finish Edward's hands; instead, Edward is left with metal scissors for hands. Since then, Edward has lived alone, until a kind lady called Peg discovers Edward and welcomes him into her home. At first, everyone welcomes Edward into the community, but soon things begin to take a change for the worse.

This was supposed to be his little follow-up to the big budget BATMAN. Tim Burton used his clout to get this dream project off the ground. Based on a drawing Burton did as a teenager. It was first written as a musical. This also his favorite film that he has directed.

I remember seeing this in theaters around the holidays my father didn’t much care for it but i was transfixed by what I was watching the images. Of course as an outcast socially this film has always appealed to me on a emotional level. The film is just so beautiful and walks a fine line of fragile and innocence, with lush visuals.

This is the closest Tim Burton has ever gotten to making a complete fairy tale which he seemed able to do earlier in his career. Where he seemed to make films that were based off of original ideas. He just worked close with screenwriters to fill out the story. Here this seemed to be the closest we will ever get to a personal film from him. Though he seems to be making a statement as an artist. It seems to be based on his memories of growing up as an outsider in the suburbs or Burbank, California. It just seems like BATMAN and BATMAN RETURNS. Which he added his sensibilities too. It seems to have sapped his creative instincts and wear him out when it comes to studio filmmaking. Though that is where he primarily goes to make films. Never having made a independent film. Though there seems to be a feeling of him bringing a unique eye, but being on auto-pilot when it comes to films such as MARS ATTACKS and PLANET OF THE APES (remake). This film just seems to be one of those perfect projects of director and material. Here he makes a truly original Fairy tale while paying homage to his personal hero Vincent price. Who appears in the film and was his final role. Making it even more personal for him. Even if it wasn’t just the images. The soundtrack alone just bring up emotional and romantic images. So all of his obsessions and Fascinations for Burton truly come together on this film.

This film is of course designed to appeal to those of us who feel or felt like outsiders. Or as Film critic Pauline Kael wrote of the film “The film has no mystery, it’s pre-interpreted. And Tim Burton is being too personal, Too tenderly self-serving. Edward is pure Creative artist, Who can’t be around people, Because he can’t help hurting them. He’s the person who can’t reach out, Can’t communicate, Can’t express his love. He’s a woeful misunderstood kid. “ That is what makes the film so special again this is the closest to the inner workings and inner life of Burton’s life and imagination we will probably ever get.

The film plays like a sad bit, more realistic fairy Tale feels like it could have been made in the 1950’s tries to connect with people. An audience who are at first fascinated then bored as he becomes more common and a constant in their lives. He tries to make a connection only to hurt the ones he loves and cares about not on purpose. Edward is used and then is turned against when they have no use for him. They exploit his good nature. The film also manages to satirize Tim Burton’s youth growing up in the bright suburbs of Burbank, California. Alan Arkin plays a father almost out of a 50’s sitcom.

This film is almost like a lite gothic version of Frankenstein without so much Dr. Frankenstein.

The film score to this film is just as important to this film as the visuals. It is truly an achievement unto itself. His previous scores had been implemental to his earlier movies in that most of the time the action had no dialogue and were like cartoons come to life so while watching the action go down the music accompanying the scenes help set the dark visuals into a light atmosphere so while the images were startling it was ok to laugh along with it. Now not only do you remember the scenes but you also remember the music that accompanied it so much that now when you hear it randomly it instantly bring up memories of the film. Here Danny Elfman outdoes himself. To think Tim Burton first offered the chance to Robert Smith of THE CURE to compose the music. He turned it down and the rest is history. Even Elfman has said this is his favorite music he has ever composed in his career.

The role of Edward was highly sought after. Tim Burton took a chance on Johnny Depp over such candidates as Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey , Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Jackson. Johnny Depp truly scores in this film with a emotional and pure performance. He lost 25 pounds for the role. The Rest of the cast does well. Dianne Wiest is noteworthy also in her role that seems comedic but also has a deepness with dramatic despair.

Again it’s a classic love story that has had a effect on me over the years. As the two lovers start off with only him instantly falling in love with her. She is only finally being won over by him, but only once most of the others who supported him, turn on him and finally though they love one another for various reasons. Never being able to be with one another, but still loving and never forgetting each other. With him each year showing his devotion by making it always snow during the holidays. While making ice sculptures devoted to her and his memories of her, forever as he never ages.

The film was a hit another feather in Mr. Burton’s cap. Though with it coming out round the holidays and it’s theme it was certainly one of the most strange yet original holiday films released. Family friendly but definitely different from most holiday fare.

This film has cursed me to a certain degree, In certain aspects as it has put a romantic ideal. Where I believe all great love stories should be this touching. While I strive for the passion, magic and beauty of the moments I witness in this film. In life, My work and in other films. Not so upfront and intense, but gentle and subtle. Unfortunately it’s rare that love affairs start so simply, Grand and witty. Not so much meet cute more effort these days. As a hopeless romantic this film is one of the few that inspires me. I still haven’t lived up to it.

I don’t feel Tim Burton has ever hit so close of a emotional truth in his work with a fantasy background. Which is his strength again until BIG FISH. Which was already a book, Not written by him. Here he came up with the story. Though the film is not written by him. It has his fingerprints and ideas all over it. Though I love it, Not even ED WOOD came close to the admiration and emotions on display here
It’s a tearjerker that if you can ever get a chance to is best seen on the big screen.

GRADE: A